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SIvitTHSONIAN DEPOSIT 



Sons 



OF 
THE 



American 
Revolution 



District of Qolumbia 



History and Objects 



x? 



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Sons 



OF 
THE 



American 
Revolution 



District of Columbia 



History and Objects 



^^11^^ 



Printed for THE SOCIETY by Gedney 
& Roberts, in the one hundred and four- 
teenth year of the INDEPENDENCE of the 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



-*«&*' 



OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY 

1 89 1. 



Gen. A. W. GREELY, U.S.A. 

gonorarg 

Admiral J. L. WORDEN, U.S.N. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, U.S.A. 

Gen. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Gen. O. B. WILCOX, U.S.A. 

Hon. JOHN SHERMAN, Gen. GEORGE THOM, U.S.A. 

AdmiralJAMESE.JOUETT,U.S.N. Hon. JOHN W. DOUGLASS, 

Gen. E. D. TOWNSEND, U.S.A. Gen. JAMES J. DANA, U.S.A. 

(ftcfitie 
Gen. MARCUS J. WRIGHT, Gen. H. V. BOYNTON, 

Col. MARSHALL McDONALD. ' 



J$ecrefarte0 

A. HOWARD CLARK, ARNOLD BURGES JOHNSON, 

National Museum. Light House Board. 



treasurer 

WILLIAM VAN ZANDT COX, 

National Museum. 

G. BROWN GOODE, 

Smithsonian Institution. 



historian 



FRANCIS O. ST. CLAIR, M.D. 

Department- of State. 



23oaro of management 
1891 



Gen. A. W. Greely, U.S.A., President. 
Gen. H. V. Boynton, of Ohio. 
Col. John Bell Brownlow, of Tennessee. 
Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, U.S.A., of Kentucky. 
Gen. Franklin G. Butterfield, of Vermont. 
Prof. W. D. Cabell, of Virginia. 
A. Howard Clark, of Massachusetts. 
William A. DeCaindry, of Georgia. 
Capt. R. C. DuBois, U.S.A., of Pennsylvania. 
Henry Wise Garnett, of Virginia. 
George Brown Goode, of Connecticut. 
Arnold Burges Johnson, of Massachusetts. 
Col. Marshall McDonald, of Virginia. 
Capt. William Morris Meredith, of Illinois. 
Col. M. M. Parker, of Vermont. 
Col. Felix A. Reeve, of Tennessee. 
Francis O. St. Clair, M. D., of Maryland. 
Richard H. Spencer, of Maryland. 
Prof. Robert E. C. Stearns, of California. 
Gen. Marcus J. Wright, of Tennessee. 
William Cr. Winlock, of Massachusetts. 



OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, 

1890. 



President 
Admiral DAVID DIXON PORTER, U. S. N. 

Vice Presidents 
Gen. A. W. GREELY, U. S. A. Gen. MARCUS J. WRIGHT. 

Secretaries 
FRANCIS O. ST. CLAIR, M. D. WILLIAM C. WINLOCK, 

Smithsonian Institution. 

Treasurer 
. Col. MARSHALL McDONALD, 

U. S. Fish Commission. 



Registrars 
GEORGE BROWN GOODE, A. HOWARD CLARK, 

Smithsonian Institution. 



Executive Committee 

Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Capt. R. C. DuBOIS, 

W. D. CABELL, WILLIAM C. WINLOCK, 

Gen. MARCUS -J. WRIGHT. 



23oarb of ZHcmagement 



Admiral David D. Porter, U. S. N., President. 

Gen. H. V. Boynton, of Ohio. 

Gen. Joseph C. Breckinridge, U. S. A., of Kentucky. 

Prof. W. D. Cabell, of Virginia. 

A. Howard Clark, of Massachusetts. 

Gen. James J. Dana, U. S. A., of New York. 

Capt. Richard C. DuBois, U. S. A., of Pennsylvania. 

Hon. William P. Frye, of Maine. 

George Brown Goode, of Connecticut. 

Gen. A. W. Greely, U. S. A., of Louisiana. 

Arnold Burges Johnson, of Massachusetts. 

Col. Marshall McDonald, of Virginia. 

Gen. M. C. Meigs, U. S. A,, of Pennsylvania. 

Hon. Levi P. Morton, of New York. 

Col. M. M. Parker, of Vermont. 

Col. Felix A. Reeve, of Tennessee. 

Francis O. St. Clair, M. D., of Maryland. 

Hon. John Sherman, of Ohio. 

Richard H. Spencer, of Maryland. 

Joseph M. Toner, M. D., of the District of Columbia. 

Gen. E. D. Townsend, U. S. A., of Massachusetts. 

Gen. Duncan S. Walker, of the District of Columbia. 

Gen. Marcus J. Wright, of Tennessee. 

Rear-Admiral John L. Worden, U. S. N., of New York. 

William Crawford Winlock, of Massachusetts. 



Sons of the 
American Revolution. 



The Citizens of the United States are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a polit- 
ical society, tf justice, good faith, honor, gratitude and all the other qualities which ennoble the 
character of a nation and fulfil the ends of government be the fruits of our establishments, the 
cause of Liberty will acquire a dignity and lustre which it has never yet enjoyed ; and an 
example will be set which cannot but have the r.. st favorable influence on the rights of Mankind. 

James Madison, 1783. 

The Society of Sons of the American Revolution enables the man of. the North and the 
man of the South to stand on the same platform. We shall have an electric current of fraternal 
interest reaching from the St. Lawrence to the Rio Graride. 

Admiral Porter, 1890. 



HE Society of the Sons of the American 
Revolution is purely patriotic in its pur- 
poses. Through its agency representative 
men of all parties and from every section, 
the descendants of the patriots who 
achieved independence for our Nation, are brought together in 
sympathetic and friendly association for the promotion of 
objects specifically named in its Constitution, as follows : — . 

(1) To perpetuate the memory a?td the spirit of the men who 
achieved American Independence, by the encouragement of histor- 
ical research in relation to the 'Revolution and the publication of 
its results, the preservation of documents and relics and of the 
records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and 
patriots, and the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anni- 
versaries. 

(2) To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell 
address to the American people:— ■" To promote, as an object of 




VIII 



SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



primary impoj'tance, institutions for the general diffusion of 
knowledge" — thus develophig an enlightened public opinion a?id 
affording to young a?id old such advantages as shall develop in 
them the largest capacity for performing the duties of America?i 
citize?is. 

(3) To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of Amer- 
ican freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and 
to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty. 

The Society is National in its scope and is governed in matters 
of general importance by a board of officers elected at its annual 
convention. It is made up of the following State Societies, in 
every respect co-equal in rank: — 



LIST OF SOCIETIES. 

January, 1891. 



Name. 

National Society, 

California, 

New Jersey, 

Connecticut, . 

Vermont, 

South Carolina, 

Massachusetts, 

Maryland, 

Ohio, 

Kentucky, 

Missouri, 

Tennessee, 

Minnesota, 

Arkansas, 

Wisconsin, 

Indiana, 

Michigan,. 

Delaware, 

West Virginia, 

Rhode Island, 

Illinois, . . 

New York, 

District of. Columbia, 

Nebraska, 

Alabama, 

Louisiana, 

Virginia, 



Dr. William Seward Webb, of Ver- 
mont, President General. 
Col. A. S. Hubbard. 
Hon. John Whitehead. 
Jonathan Trumbull. 
Hon. Redfield Proctor. 
Hon. J. P. Richardson. 
Hon. Charles H. Saunders. 
Gen. Bradley T. Johnson. 
H. V. Axline. 
Hon. H. W. Bruce. 
Josiah Fogg. 

Rev. D. C. Kelley, D. D. 
Hon. Albert Edgerton. 
Col. Samuel W. Williams. 
Don J. Whittemore. 
Hon. William E. Niblack. 
Hon. H. B. Ledyard. 
Hon. Thomas F. Bayard. 
Hon. John J. Jacob. 
John Nicholas Brown. 
Judge Henry M. Shepard. 
Hon. Chauncey M. Depew. 
Admiral David D. Porter. 
Champion S. Chase. 
Capt. Joseph Forney Johnston. 
Hon. William H. Jack. 
Horn William Wirt Henry. 



The California Society, which stands at the head of the list, 
is (with the exception of the Society of the Cincinnati, 



HISTORY AND OBJECTS. IX 

founded May 13, 1783, and the American Revolution Society, 
or Seventy-six Association, composed of officers and soldiers, 
founded in the South in 1784, which existed for many years, 
but long ago became extinct) the first patriotic organization 
ever founded in America, with membership based upon service 
in the cause of American Independence. It came into exist- 
ence on the Fourth of July, 1876, when citizens of San Fran- 
cisco, about forty in number, descendants of the patriots of 
the Revolution, having marched together in the great procession 
which was the most striking feature of California's celebration 
of the Centennial Anniversary of Independence, met to organize 
the Society of Sons of Revolutionary Sires.* The objects of 
the society then founded were defined in a circular letter, sent 
out in August, in the following terms: 

"To unite the descendants of Revolutionary patriots and 
perpetuate the memory of those who took part in the American 
Revolution, and maintained the independence of the United 
States of America; to organize auxiliaries, co-equal branches 
and representative bodies, at such time and place as the directors 
may determine." 

The desire of the founders of the new society to extend its 
work beyond the boundaries of California met with much 
encouragement. Honorary membership was accepted by Ex- 
Presidents Grant and Hayes and other public men throughout 
the country, and before the close of 1876, Vice' Presidents had 
been appointed in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, 
Iowa and the District of Columbia, f with authority to found 
branch societies, and these efforts were continuous up to 1883. 
It is not certain that any such branches were ever formed, but 



* On June 29th (1876) the following request was published in the news columns of the 
" Alta " : " The descendants of the Revolutionary patriots are requested to meet at the headquar- 
ters of the Grand Marshal, at No. 212 Kearney street, at 8 o'clock this evening, for the purpose of 
making arrangements to participate in the' celebration." In response to the call between forty and 
fifty citizens assembled. General N. M. Winn presided, and Dr. E. L. Willard was chosen secre- 
tary. All present signed the roll. After the parade the organization marched to the Palace Hotel 
and partook of refreshments. It was at this meeting that they formally organized under the 
title of "Sons of Revolutionary Sires" (July 4th, 1S76). Ten days later the new organization 
adopted a constitution and by-laws, and has since been a permanent society in this city. 

From the "Alta California." May 5th, 1889. 

fMr. N. T. E. Chandler, of the U. S. Patent Office, Vice President for the District of Colum- 
bia, died in 1889, and the papers relating to the history of his work cannot be found. 



X SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the California Society maintained a continuous existence until 
1889, when it changed its name in order to participate in the 
organization of the National Society of the Sons of the 
American Rev6lution, and is still one of the strong organiza- 
tions in the federation. 

In 1876 Mr. John Austin Stevens, of New York, proposed 
the organization of a society, to be called "Sons of the Revo- 
lution," and to be composed of descendants of officers and 
soldiers of the Revolutionary Army. No meetings appear to 
have been held under this plan. The New York society of the 
Sons of the Revolution was formally established December 31, 
1883. In 1888 some of its members founded a similar society 
in Philadelphia, and in March and April, 1889, similar organiza- 
tions were formed in thirteen other States. Through some un- 
fortunate misunderstanding the society in New York failed to 
participate in the movement now begun for the establishment 
of a National organization, although it was the desire of the 
other States that New York should take the lead. The techni- 
cal difficulty seems to have been the unwillingness of the other 
States to recognize the supposed claim of the New York 
society to be the central and sole source of authority. 

On the Anniversary day, April 30, 1889, upon the invitation 
of the New Jersey Society, delegates from fourteen States met 
in the historic "Long Room" of Fraunces's Tavern, in New 
York, the apartment in which Washington took leave of his 
Generals at the close of the Revolution, and formed an organi- 
zation of National scope under the name of The Society of 
the Sons of the American Revolution, and under the Consti- 
tution then adopted the several State societies already men- 
tioned have become federated. 

The District of Columbia Society, Sons of the American 
Revolution, was organized April 11, 1890, by Mr. William O. 
McDowell, of New Jersey, at that time Vice President General 
of the National Society. Its career, though short, has been 
prosperous, and it is already one of the largest and strongest of 
the associations of descendants of the patriots of the Revolution. 

In 1890 the New York Society abandoned its plan of aux- 
iliary branches, and joined with that in Pennsylvania to form a 
general or National Society, under the name of Sons of the 



HISTORY AND OBJECTS. XI 

Revolution. This action removed all tangible obstacles to the 
union of all the State societies in one National organization. 
The question of priority of organization is not one of the highest 
importance, for all will concede that the present widespread 
interest is largely the outgrowth of the part which the Sons of 
the Revolution in New York have taken in the movement 
which began in 1876 in both San Francisco and New York, 
which took tangible form in San Francisco in 1876 and in New 
York in 1883, and which culminated in 1889 in a general or- 
ganization of State societies throughout the whole Union. 

Prior to the organization of the Society of the Sons of the 
American Revolution in Washington City, a society of the 
Sons of the Revolution was in existence. This was organized 
April 3, 1890, under the Presidency of the Hon. John Lee 
Carroll, and with a very distinguished membership. On April 
3, 1890, this society subscribed to the Constitution of the Sons 
of the Revolution, prepared by the Representatives of the 
New York and Pennsylvania Societies. 

The National Society of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution was organized in Washington City, October 11, 
1890, and has- already a large membership, which is extending 
over the entire country. Its objects are identical with those of 
the two other societies already referred to, though its organi- 
zation and eligibility requirements are somewhat different. 

Serious work has already been begun by all the societies. 
Members of the old New York Society did noble service in 
providing for the completion of the pedestal of the Bar- 
tholdi Statue of Liberty, in New York Harbor; and it was 
to its members that the Centennial Celebration of 1889 
owed its origin, and largely its success. It also aided 
materially in the erection of a monument to Nathan Hale. 
The State societies are planning for the systematic celebration 
of local events of historic interest; Massachusetts has cele- 
brated the anniversary of " Lexington," and New Jersey those 
of "Red Bank," "Trenton "and "Springfield," and Tennessee 
that of "King's Mountain." Our National Sociey has asked 
the interest of the Congress to prevent the desecration of the 
National flag by its use for advertising purposes, and is en- 
deavoring to encourage the playing of National airs by all 



XII 



SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



bands on National anniversaries. All the societies are urging 
the more general display of the National flag. The California 
Society and our own set the example of a patriotic gathering 
on July 4, 1890; an example afterwards strengthened by the 
issue of an official circular from the National Society. 

Much still remains to be done in the way of patriotic en- 
deavor. The localities of historic events and the birthplaces 
and graves of Revolutionary heroes are to be identified and 
marked by suitable monuments. Revolutionary documents 
and records, especially the unpublished rolls of the soldiers, 
and the stories of individual service are to be brought to light, 
indexed and printed. The Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the 
Revolution, has begun serious work in the preservation of his- 
torical documents. The Michigan Society, S. A. R., passed a 
resolution April 24, 1890, urging the publication of the records 
of the Army of the Revolution, and Col. Hubbard, the President 
of the California Society, wrote to the President of the National 
Society, February 18, 1890, as follows: — 

' ' / hope that some method ivill be formulated whereby the 
United States Government will tindcrtake to gather, compile and 
publish, from its archives, and the archives of the thirteen original 
States, the record of every officer, soldier and sailor who partici- 
pated in the war of 1776, and that the work thus published will 
be recognized as the American Domesday Book. The National 
Society of Sons of the American Revolution should be more than 
an atcxiliary in the prodiiction of such a work." 

A wholesome and intelligent interest in the principles and 
acts of the Revolution may well be encouraged throughout the 
country. It is believed that whenever any question of real 
importance is to be considered, unanimity of sentiment and 
harmony of action will always be found among the various 
organizations of the descendants of the patriots of 1776. 




UKITE OR DIE 



Constitution anb 33y=£atps. 



There are three stages in the history of the North 
American Revolution — the first of which may be considered 
as beginning with the order of the British Council for enfor- 
cing the acts of trade in 1760, and as having reached its crisis 
at the meeting of the first Congress, fourteen years after, at 
Philadelphia. It was a struggle for the preservation and 
recovery of the rights and liberties of the British Colonies.- 
It terminated in a civil war, the character and object of 
which were changed by the Declaration of Independence. 

The second stage is that of the War of Indepe?idence, 
usually so-called — but it began fifteen months before the 
Declaration, and ivas itself the immediate cause and not the 
effect of that event. It closed by the preliminary Treaty of 
Peace concluded at Paris, on the joth of November, 17S2. 

The third is the formation of the Anglo-American People 
and Nation of North America. This event was completed 
by the meeting of the first Congress of the United States, 
under their present Constittiiion, on the Fourth of March, 

*' 9- John Quincy Adams, 1836. 

There is nothing more common than to confound the 
terms of American Revolution with those of the eate 
American War. The American War is over, but this is 
far from being the case with the American Revolution. 
On the contrary nothing but the first act of the great 
drama is closed. It remains yet to establish and perfect 
our new forms of government, and to prepare the prin- 
ciples, -morals and manners of our citizens for these forms 
of government, after they are established and brought to 
perfection. Benjamin Rush, 1787. 



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CONSTITUTION 




ARTICLE I. 

NAME. 

HE name of this Society shall be The District 
of Columbia Society of the Sons of the 
American Revolution. 



ARTICLE II. 

OBJECTS. 

The objects of the Society shall be : 

To perpetuate the memory and the spirit of the men who 
achieved American Independence, by the encouragement of 
historical research in relation to the Revolution and the publi- 
cation of its results, the preservation of documents and relics 
and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary 
soldiers and patriots, and the promotion of celebrations of all 
patriotic anniversaries. 

To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell 
address to the American people: — "To promote, as an object 
of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of 
knowledge," — thus developing an enlightened public opinion 
and affording to young and old such advantages as shall 
develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties 
of American citizens. 



Historical 
Research 
and 
Celebrations. 



Promotion 
of National 
Institutions. 



XVI CONSTITUTION. 



promotion j c h er j s h, maintain, and extend the institutions of Ameri- 

Patriotism. can f ree( j orn> to foster true patriotism and love of country, and 
to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty. 

ARTICLE III. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Eligibility. \ Any man is eligible for membership who is of the age 

of twenty-one years, and who is descended from an ancestor 
who, with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the 
cause of American Independence as a soldier or a seaman, 
or a civil officer in one of the several Colonies or States or of the 
United Colonies or States, or as a recognized patriot, provided 
that the applicant shall be acceptable to the Society. 
AncestryRecords j] p or t j-, e p Ur p se of perfecting the records of Revolu- 

women. tionary patriots and their descendants, any woman of Revolu- 
tionary ancestry may file with the Registrar a record, in dupli- 
cate, of her ancestors' services and of her line of descent, one 
copy of which shall be deposited among the archives of the 
National Society. 
H °M embers. W- Any person may be eligible for honorary membership, 
subject to the limitations as to age and descent established 
in the case of active members. 

Members iv. All members of the National Society are our comrades 

of the J 

National society, and brothers, and when within the borders of our jurisdiction 
will be welcome to our meetings and to assist in our celebra- 
tions and work. 

ARTICLE IV. 

OFFICERS AND MANAGERS. 

°M C d rs '* ^he °ffi cers °f tne Society shall be a President, one or 

Managers. more Vice Presidents, two Secretaries, a Treasurer, a Registrar, 
an Assistant Registrar, a Historian, and such others as may 
be deemed necessary, who shall be elected by a vote of the 
majority of the members present at the annual meeting of the 
Society, and who shall hold office for one year, or until their 
successors shall be elected, and who, with thirteen other 
members, shall constitute the Board of Management. 



CONSTITUTION. 



XVII 



II. Delegates to the Congress of the Society shall be elected ^'^g^* ,he 
at each annual meeting, in accordance with the requirements of 

the Constitution of the General Society. 

III. An Executive Committee of five, of which the President 
of the Society shall be the Chairman, which may be elected 
by the Board of Management from their number, shall, in the 
interim between the meetings of the Board, transact such 
business as shall be delegated to it by the Board of Manage- 
ment. 



Executive 

Committee. 



ARTICLE V. 

FEES AND DUES. 

I. The initiation fee, including dues for the first year, shall 
be five ($5) dollars; the annual dues three ($3) dollars; or the 
payment at one time of fifty ($50) dollars shall constitute a life 
member, with exemption from payment of dues thereafter. 

II. The annual dues shall be payable on the first day of April 
in each year. 

III. A member who shall remain in arrears for dues for three 
months after notice of his indebtedness has been sent him, may 
be dropped from the rolls by the Board of Management. 

IV. The initiation fees and. all payments for dues and life 
memberships shall be used by the Board of Management for 
the purpose of paying the dues, of twenty-five cents for each 
active member, to the National Society, of publishing such 
documents as they may deem advisable, of paying the running 
expenses, and for such special purposes as may be ordered by 
a vote of two-thirds of the Board of Management. 



Time 

of 

Payment. 

Arrearages. 



Application 

of 

Funds. 



ARTICLE VI. 

MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS. 



I. The Annual Meeting for election of officers and transaction Annual Meeting. 
of business shall be held at noon on the twenty-second day of 
February, the anniversary of the birth of George Washington, 
in every year, except when that date shall fall on Sunday, in 
which case the meeting shall be held on the following day. 



XVIII 



CONSTITUTION. 



Special Meetings. 



Election 
of 
Officers. 



II. Special meetings may be called by the President or Board 
of Management at any time for business purposes or for the 
purpose of celebrating events of the Revolution or other 
patriotic events, or devising means for the prosecution of 
patriotic work. The President shall call a special meeting 
whenever requested in writing so to do by five or more 
members. 

III. General business may be transacted at any special meet- 
ing. 

IV. Thirteen members shall constitute a quorum at all meet- 
ings, except that three members shall be a quorum of the 
Executive Committee. 

V. All nominations for officers shall be made from the 
floor and not by committee, and all elections to office shall 
be by ballot. The persons receiving the majority of all the 
votes cast shall be declared elected, and shall hold office for the 
ensuing term and until their successors shall be elected. 



ARTICLE VII. 

AMENDMENTS. 



Proposal 

of 
Amendments. 



Action 

on 

Amendments. 



Amendments to this Constitution may be offered at any 
meeting of the Society, but shall not be acted on until the next 
meeting. A copy of every proposed amendment shall be sent 
to each member, with a notice of the meeting at which the 
same is to be acted on, at least one week prior to said meet- 
ing. 

A vote of two-thirds of those present shall be necessary to 
the adoption of any amendment. 



BY-LAWS. 



SECTION I. 

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 

Members shall be elected as follows: Candidates may send 
their applications together with documents and other proofs of 
qualification for membership,* to the Secretary; and, upon a 
favorable report from the Board of Management, and upon 
payment of the initiation fee, shall become members of the 
Society. 



Election 
to 

Membership. 



SECTION II. 

THE PRESIDENT. 

The President, or in his absence the Vice President, or in his 
absence a Chairman, pro tempore, shall preside at all meetings of 
the Society and Board of Management, and have a casting 
vote. He shall exercise the usual functions of a presiding 
officer, and shall enforce a strict observance of the Constitution 
and By-Laws and of the regulations and rules of the Society. 

* It is required that all applications shall be made upon the standard form of Application for 
Membership issued by authority of the Executive Committee, N. S., S. A. R., which provides for : 

1. A statement of the services of the ancestor of the applicant in aid of the establishment of 
American Independence. 

2. A detailed statement of the intermediate generations of his pedigree, with full names of 
maternal and paternal ancestors in each generation, and, if possible, dates and places of birth and 
death, and places of residence. 

3. A recommendation of the candidate by a member of the Society. 

4. An affidavit by the applicant in support of the statements contained in his application. The 
affidavit has not as yet been required by this Society. 



Presiding 
Officer. 



XX 



BY-LAWS. 



General 

Duties. 



Records. 



Notices of 

Elections and 

Meetings. 



SECTION III. 

THE SECRETARY. 

The Secretary shall conduct the general correspondence of 
the Society and such other matters as may be directed by the 
Society. He shall have charge of the seal, certificate of in- 
corporation, by-laws and records of the Society, and, together 
with the presiding officer, shall certify all acts of the Society. 

He shall keep fair and accurate records of all the proceedings 
and orders of the Society ; and shall give notice to the several 
officers of all votes, orders, resolves, and proceedings of the 
Society affecting them or appertaining to their respective 
duties. 

He shall notify all members of their election, and shall, 
under the direction of the President or Vice President, give 
due notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Society, 
and attend the same. 



Disposition 
of 

Funds. 



Accounts 

and 

Audits. 



Balances. 



SECTION IV. 

THE TREASURER. 

The Treasurer shall collect and keep the funds and securities 
of the Society ; they shall be deposited in some bank or saving 
institute in this District, to the credit of The District of 
Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, 
and shall be drawn thence on the check of the Treasurer, for 
the purposes of the Society only. Out of these funds he shall 
pay such sums only as may be ordered by the Society, or by 
the Board of Management. 

He shall keep a true account of his receipts and payments, 
and, at each annual meeting, render the same to the Society, 
when a committee shall be appointed to audit his accounts. 

If, from the annual report of the Treasurer, there shall appear 
to be a balance against the Treasurer, no appropriation of 
money shall be made for any object but the necessary current 
expenses of the Society until such balance shall be paid. 



BY-LAWS. 



XXI 



SECTION V. 

THE REGISTRAR. 

The Registrar shall keep a roll of members, and in his hands 
shall be lodged all the proofs of membership-qualification, and 
all- the historical and genealogical papers, manuscript or other, 
of which the Society may become possessed; and, under the 
direction of the Board of Management shall keep copies of 
such similar documents as the owners thereof may not be 
willing to leave permanently in the keeping of the Society. 
He shall verify all statements of the revolutionary services of 
ancestors that may be made in the applications for member- 
ship, and make report to the Board of Managers. 

The Registrar shall, if practicable, be some person con- 
nected with the Smithsonian Institution. 



Membership 
Roll. 



Historical 
Documents. 



SECTION VI. 

THE HISTORIAN. 

The Historian shall keep the records of the historical and 
commemorative meetings of the Society, and shall supervise 
the preparation and printing of all its historical publications, 
other fhan those of the membership rolls. 

He shall submit at each annual meeting a list of the mem- 
bers who may have died during the year, accompanied by 
biographical memoirs. 



Historical 
Records. 



Necrology. 



SECTION VII. 

THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT. 

The Board of Management shall consist of at least twenty- 
one members, namely, the President, Vice Presidents, Secre- 
taries, Treasurer; Registrar, and Historian, ex-officio, and thirteen 
others, elected as provided by the Constitution. 

They shall judge of the qualifications of the candidates for 
admission to the Society, and elect the same. They shall have 



Constitution. 



Duties. 



XXII 



BY-LAWS. 



Annual 

Report. 



Quorum. 



Ayes and 

Nays. 



charge of all special meetings of the Society, and shall, through 
the Secretary, call special meetings at any time, upon the 
written request of five members of the Society, and at such 
other times as they see fit. They shall recommend plans for 
promoting the objects of the Society, shall digest and prepare 
business, and shall authorize the disbursement and expendi- 
ture of unappropriated money in the treasury for the payment 
of current expenses of the Society. They shall generally 
superintend the interests of the Society, and execute all such 
duties as may be committed to them by the Society. 

At each annual meeting of the Society the Board shall make 
a general report. 

At all meetings of the Board of Management, five or more 
shall be sufficient for the transaction of business. 

Ayes and nays shall be called at any meeting of the Society 
upon the demand of five members. 



SECTION VIII, 

AMENDMENTS. 



Proposal 

of 

Amendments. 



Action. 



No alteration of the by-laws of the Society shall be made 
unless such alteration shall have been openly proposed at a 
previous meeting and entered in the minutes with the name of 
the member proposing the same, and shall be adopted by a 
majority of the members present at a meeting of the Society. 



>" 





THE INSIGNIA. 

The Cross of The Sons of the American Revolution is of 
silver, with four arms and eight points, similar in size and 
appearance to the Chevalier's cross of the Legion of Honor of 
France. The arms are of white enamel, the center a gold 
medallion with a bust of Washington, in profile, within a ribbon 
of blue enamel on which in gold letters is the legend: — 

LlBERTAS ET PaTRIA, 

the motto of the order. A laurel wreath in green enamel 
encircles the medallion, midway between it and the points of 
the cross. The reverse is like the obverse, except that the 
medallion bears the figure of a Continental soldier, and is 
surrounded by a ribbon of blue enamel upon which are 
inscribed in letters of gold the words : — 

Sons of the American Revolution. 

The cross is surmounted by an eagle in gold or silver. 

The rosette is of silk ribbon, blue and white, and is to be 
worn in the upper left button hole of the coat, on all occasions 
and at will, except when the cross is in use. 

Major Goldsmith Bernard West, of Alabama, by whom the 
insignia were designed, explains their significance as follows :— 

"The cross of four arms and eight points, enameled in 
white, is drawn from the cross of the ancient chivalric order 
of St. Louis of France; but the monarchical lilies which were 
placed between the arms have been left out. In their place we 
surround them with the laurel wreath of Republican victory. 
There are two good reasons for selecting the form of the 
Cross of St. Louis as the ground-work for our decoration. It 
was the Grand Master of that Order, Louis XVI., who had lent 
to America that aid she so badly needed to win the fight for 
National Independence; and nearly all of the gallant French 



XXIV THE INSIGNIA. 



officers, who personally fought with and for the Colonies were 
Chevaliers of the Order. It is intended as a recognition of 
them and their services, and as a compliment to their country 
and their descendants that we propose, in some part, the 
adoption of the form of the historic Cross of St. Louis. 

" The medallion in gold, which forms the centre of the cross 
on its obverse side, and bears the bust in profile of Washing- 
ton, appears too appropriate to demand explanation or argu- 
ment. The legend surrounding it in letters of gold on a ribbon 
of blue enamel, ' Libertas et Patria,' appears at once in keep- 
ing with the general design and in harmony with the principles 
and purposes of the Order. 

"The reverse side of the cross is like the obverse, except 
that the reverse bears on the gold medallion the figure of a 
'Minute-Man,' a type of those old Continental Soldiers who 

Left their ploughshares in the mould, 
Their flocks and herds without a fold, 

and rushed to the defense of liberty and country at the first 
sound of the gun, the echo of which was heard around the 
world, — one of the heroes and martyrs of Valley Forge. 

"The decoration is to be suspended from the left breast or 
collar by a blue ribbon with white edges. Blue and white 
were the colors of the uniform of Washington's staff." 




THE OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY. 



[From the address by Rev. Alexander McDowell Leavitt, D.D., LL.D.] 

"The Society of the Sons of the American Revolution rests 
on a wider basis than military rank and service. Pen and 
voice may be as useful to liberty as the sword. By essay and 
oration Henry, Adams and Jefferson accomplished as much for 
their country as Gates or Green or Putnam by the most bril- 
liant exploits of battle. Washington as commander, was no 
more a patriot and benefactor than Washington as president. 
Nor must the heroes of the ranks be overlooked. Descendants 
of the sailor, soldier and civilian are recognized by our society; 
membership is based on true patriotic service, however and 
wherever rendered, during the war of the Revolution, 

"Two paths open to our society: 

"It may live in and for the past, it may collect and treasure 
relics, trace ancestors and extol the heroic era of our nation. 
Many naturally look behind rather than before for the golden 
age of our humanity; and let us not discourage those inclined 
to venerable fashions. 

"But we have a nobler mission than devotion to the antique 
and aesthetic. As our society grows out of the past of our 
country, so it may become a potent element in the future. 

" Our country has been exempt from the peculiar trials of 
other lands. Humanity began with us anew. The Atlantic is 
the barrier between us and the past; hence on our soil liberty 
had an unimpeded growth. New obstacles gave new strength. 
Colonial struggles made our American manhood. The Revo- 
lution was our evolution. Nor has growth stopped ; we are a 
century in advance of our ancestors. Our prisons are better; 



XXVI THE OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY. 

, n 

our schools are better; our colleges are better. Steam and 
electricity have enlarged our views even more than our means 
of intercommunication. 

"Where then was the glory of our fathers? Rich patriots 
imperiled wealth and life for liberty. Poor citizens, through 
rags and blood and hunger and defeat, stood by the cause until 
victory was won. States quarreled and delayed their quotas. 
Congress was sometimes divided and uncertain; cabals and 
ambitions and dishonesties were not wanting; but always 
there were men faithful to their leaders and their country. 
Valor and virtue triumphed. Hard experience made successful 
both revolution and constitution. Greece, Rome and England 
instructed our fathers; but American needs and trials were 
their best teachers. Measured by truest tests their patriotic 
wisdom has never been excelled. Out of bitter and paltry 
contests emerged a structure of liberty to endure forever. 
Amid cramping and belittling influences our constitution was 
shaped into a comprehensive instrument adapted to social 
needs, political requirements and territorial magnitudes of 
which its framers could have had no conception. For all time 
and all the world it stands their immortal monument. 

"Let our society study the work of our fathers as it is — it 
wants no glamour of a golden mist. When fancy converts 
our Revolutionary sires into ideals we lose interest. Men, not 
statues, stir living thoughts. History to be profitable must be 
honest. Whatever the frailties of others in peace and war, 
Washington without stain or cloud stands forth in solitary 
glory. 

"Nor should the Sons of the American Revolution forget 
that from the beginning they had a mingled blood. New 
England was moulded by the British Puritans. The Dutch 
controlled New York. Quakers and Germans settled Penn- 
sylvania. English Catholics largely shaped Maryland. Swedes 
prevailed in Delaware. Virginia boasted cavalier and church- 
man. The Scotch and Scotch-Irish immigrated extensively 
into New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the Carolinas. 
Florida was long the home of the Spaniard. In Louisiana, 
French and Creoles were numerous. Huguenots leavened our 
whole republic. Our manhood grew from mixed national- 



THE OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY. XXVII 

ities. Side by side their representatives fought in the Revolu- 
tion, and side by side evolved the constitution. To hide these 
facts is to be ashamed of ourselves. Origin creates our sym- 
pathy for humanity, hence in Americans these promises of 
universal liberty. We do not fear that immigrant nations will 
cloud or exhaust our sun. Rather we believe that they will 
diffuse the light until it circles the world. As statesmen we 
may wisely provide against an overwhelming flood of paupers, 
criminals and adventurers; but as citizens and christians, we 
will welcome opportunities of moulding to republicanism and 
religion those who will be heralds of truth and apostles of the 
millennium. 

"And this leads to the noblest work of our society. We 
might specify much to be accomplished by gathering materials 
for history and souvenirs of the Revolution, by studying men, 
manners -and measures, and by devising the best methods of 
perpetuating the memories of our ancestors and celebrating 
their achievements. These, hovvever, will naturally be consid- 
ered in their time. But one noble field of usefulness should be 
extended to our view. 

" But why confine ourselves to a single country? On our 
own continent we have fifty republics. Let us form with 
them leagues of fellowship. Our hearts should embrace self- 
government throughout the world. The American instinct for 
freedom is irrepressible; it cannot be restricted by bonds of 
nationalities. Humanity is its object. We only express and 
exercise a national impulse when we cultivate fraternity with 
men everywhere, who, by justice and intelligence, strive 
to elevate the people from sovereignty and help forward for 
earth a day of light and love and liberty." 



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